HUNTSVILLE - The Sam Houston State men’s basketball team will get a chance to extend their season after receiving an invitation to play in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament on Sunday night.

The Kats will have a bye in the opening round and will begin play as early as this weekend.

Although we're disappointed about falling short of the NCAA Tournament, we are extremely excited to be playing in the College Insider Tourney,” said head coach Jason Hooten. “This will be our fourth time in the CIT and the field looks very competitive.”

The Kats (19-14) will join a group of 19 other teams, competing in the 10th annual postseason tournament. Three other teams received a bye, as the Kats will join Wofford (21-12), Northern Colorado (22-12) and Portland State (20-13) in the second round. Also, Southland members Lamar and Abilene Christian will be in the field.

“The College Insider Tournament is a first class event, and our student athletes feel privileged to be able to compete in post season once again,” Hooten said.

The Bearkats have played five games in the CIT, all at Johnson Coliseum. The have a record of 2-3 in the tournament, wining opening round games in 2014 (Alabama State) and 2015 (UNC-Wilmington).

The date and location of the second-round matchup for the Bearkats will be determined following the conclusion of the “Classic” games that will get the tournament started on Monday.

The CIT uses the old NIT model in which there is no set bracket. Future round opponents are determined by the results of the previous round. All games at on-campus sites.

The 2018 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament

All Times CST

THE CLASSICS

MONDAY, March 12

Winners will play Wofford (21-12), Northern Colorado (22-12), Portland State (20-13) and Sam Houston State (19-14). Dates and times TBD.